Collective Bargaining

A full range of support is available to members as they negotiate just compensation and fair working conditions with their employers.

Field Consultants assist local negotiators through direct consultation, help with the development of contract language, analysis of contracts, and assistance with contract enforcement. Staff also help locals prepare for impasse. NDU professional staff facilitate area and regional bargaining meetings.

The NDU research department provides salary and benefit comparison data and sample contract language for teachers and education support professionals. In addition, a vast array of state and national education finance data and a file of all master agreements in the state are maintained.

WHY NORTH DAKOTA UNITED SUPPORTS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

Employees will have a stake and voice in how the work is done.

Employees will help to decide on wages levels, benefits and working conditions.

The contract will be enforceable and both parties will be forced to honor all parts of the agreement.

Every worker in the work area will be covered by the contract whether or not a member of the union.

When there is a disagreement about worker performance, discipline, etc., specific rules must be followed.

When the employee disagrees with any discipline, he/she will be able to appeal.

Employees want to be able to make sure that needed services are not sacrificed to save money.

The relationship between employees will be more relaxed because each will know their limitations and responsibilities.

Even professionals and well paid employees need the ability to protect their jobs, salaries and working conditions.

CONCERNS OF OTHERS ABOUT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

There is the perception that managers will lose control and authority over employees.

The belief that employees will demand unreasonable wages, benefits and working conditions.

The fear that big labor will take over the state and there will be massive work slowdowns and strikes.

The fear that all workers will be forced to either join the union or he/she will not be allowed to work in the state.

The fear that managers will no longer have the ability to maintain any control over job quality and quantity.

The fear that chaos will develop in the work-place.

The fear that when the employees have an equal voice, they will stop working and “big labor” will protect them.

The fear that collective bargaining will cause division and tenseness in the workplace between employees and employers.

The fear that there will not be enough money to fund the union wages and other new benefits which are won in negotiations.